NFL Player Faces DWI Charges in NC

Baltimore Ravens Cornerback with DWI Charges In North Carolina

A cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens has been arrested with DWI Charges – driving while intoxicated – in North Carolina after being pulled over for driving 100 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

On Saturday, February 28th, 22-year-old Victor Hampton was pulled over and charged with speeding, reckless driving, open container, and DWI charges.

According to police reports, a state trooper first noticed Hampton’s vehicle, a Camaro convertible, speeding almost twice the legal, posted speed limit on Interstate 77 at almost 12:30 AM. The trooper finally pulled the car over about two miles down the interstate. The officer noticed an open container, which may have belonged to one of Hampton’s two passengers, Maurice Thomas and Jamel Cadet. The two passengers each had weapons, according to the officer’s report, and they quickly tried to hide them when the trooper approached. They were cited for carrying concealed weapons.

Hampton was taken to jail and officers determined that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.10; the legal limit is 0.08. He posted bond for the DWI charges later that day. So far, there is no word on a jury trial.

This is not Hampton’s first alcohol-related arrest. In 2010, he was arrested for underage drinking. While the football player is a professional NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens, he started with the University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks until this year. He just signed on with the Ravens in January 2015, and has not played a pro game for them yet.

Now, Hampton has been released from the Ravens due to the DWI charge. Per a press release from the team: “The Baltimore Ravens have waived CB Victor Hampton from their roster, general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced Monday afternoon.”

Breathalyzer Readings and DWI Charges in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the “Breathalyzer” (breath test) refers to a DataMaster unit used by police officers to determine a suspect’s blood alcohol content (BAC) through a breath reading. South Carolina police officers are required to film all DWI and DUI stops, and ensure that the suspect is visible in their film, especially during field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests.

South Carolina motorists have the right to refuse a Breathalyzer test/breath test. These tests must be administered within two hours of the suspect’s DWI arrest; if they are not, then the information is invalid. Suspects also have the right to refuse a blood test – these cannot be administered without permission, and if the suspect does not give permission then the evidence is not admissible in court.

Although Breathalyzers and field sobriety tests are commonly administered to determine a suspect’s level of intoxication, they are not very accurate. As a suspect, your balance or concentration could be thrown off if you are scared about the consequences of being pulled over. Differences in size, breath depth, saliva in the mouth, or medical conditions can also affect the readings on a Breathalyzer.

The Strom Law Firm Defends Against DWI Charges

Do not let charges of DUI or DWI ruin your future. If you face a court date to argue your DWI charge, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your DWI case, so contact us today. 803.252.4800

Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C. represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. We handle cases throughout South Carolina including Columbia, Lexington, Florence, Camden, Aiken, Charleston, Orangeburg, Irmo, Gilbert, Red Bank, Blythewood, Gaston, West Columbia, Chapin, Rock Hill, Saluda, Lancaster, Sumter, Spartanburg, Newberry, North Augusta, Batesburg-Leesville, as well as cases in Richland County, Lexington County, Fairfield County, Kershaw County, York County, Newberry County, Calhoun County, and Sumter County. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.